Common Conditions

So… you want to know more about your feet? Here is a brief summary of the most common foot conditions that we see every day!

Condition Name

Achilles Tendonitis

An “overuse” disorder, Achilles tendonitis and tendonosis are typically caused by a sudden increase of a repetitive activity involving the Achilles tendon, causing inflammation. Typically short term, if left untreated can micro tear to the point of developing spurs. Ice, rest, immobilization, orthotics and physical therapy are often the treatments for Achilles issues.

Bunions

A true Bunion (Hallux Valgus) is when the big toe leans toward the second toe, instead of pointing straight ahead. This can push the bones out of alignment and may even have the 2nd toe become a claw toe to ‘move out of the way’ of the Hallux. Bunionettes,(Tailor’s Bunion),.are growths of the fifth metatarsal bone at the base of the little toe; though not as common they are similar in symptoms and causes. Properly fitting footwear with an Orthotic that has appropriate offloads can often help with bunions.

Callus Formation

Callus’ are ARMOUR for your skin! Typically caused by pressure and repetitive rubbing, such as from a shoe or sock. If the underlying cause of the callus is not addressed, they will just keep coming back. Addressing the root cause of WHY are you getting a callus is key to preventing future incidents.

Charcot Foot

Often associated with (but not exclusive to) a Diabetic Foot; weakening of the bones can lead to fractures. As the disorder progresses, the joints collapse and the foot takes on an abnormal shape, creating a ‘rocker-bottom’ appearance. These pressure changes, if not addressed, can lead to severe deformity, disability and even amputation. Custom Orthotics, Custom Footwear and Pressure Management are often the treatment for this condition.

Claw / Hammer/ Mallet Toes

Claw, Hammer and Mallet toes are most often caused by muscle/tendon imbalance, caused by mechanical (structural) or neurological changes in the foot that occur over time in some people and can be aggravated by inappropriate footwear. Red, irritated and callused area can form with contact pressure. Appropriate footwear and orthotics can often alleviate these symptoms, however, surgery is occasionally needed to straighten these toes out.

Edema

Swelling caused by too much trapped fluid in the body tissues. While edema can affect any part of the body, it’s more likely to show up in the lower limbs and feet. Edema can be the result of a number of disease, medication reactions and even pregnancy can cause swelling. Compression garments, sodium management and treatment of the underlying diseases are treatment options for Edema.

Gout (Arthritis)

A form of arthritis where deposits of crystallized uric acid builds up in joint spaces, causing swelling, redness and tenderness across joints, it is often felt first in the Hallux (Big Toe). Rocker Sole footwear, orthotics, dietary restrictions and medications are often the treatment plan.

Leg Length Discrepancy

It is estimated that over 50% of the population has a slight limb discrepancy and have no symptoms. Limb discrepancy can be as a result of a broken bone For those who DO have symptoms, a bending of the Sub-Talar Joint, Knees, Hips or Spine may be seen as an attempt to ‘balance’ themselves. A discrepancy under 2cm may be fixed with internal wedges if the shoe is deep enough, otherwise, external shoe modifications are used to address the short limb.

Metatarsalgia

A term often used to describe pain in the ‘balls of the feet’. Metatarsalgia just means inflammation of the metatarsal region. Some conditions such as neuromas, capsulitis, synovitis, collapsed transverse arch and fractures have all been diagnosed as “Metatarsalgia”. Treatments can include anti-inflammatories, proper fitting footwear, orthotics and in severe cases, surgery.

Morton’s Neuroma

Quite localized, Neuromas are trapped nerve tissues that can develop in multiple parts of the body, most commonly in the foot as a Morton’s neuroma, between the third and fourth toes. As one of the ‘Metatarsalgia’ conditions, Orthotics, proper fitting footwear and anti-inflammatories are common treatments. Surgery is a last effort!

Pes Cavus

The high arched foot, often with a high instep. The 1st ray (metatarsal bone behind the big toe) is plantar flexed (pushed more towards the ground), causing a ‘cave like’ appearance to a person’s foot, rolling them to the outside edge of their feet. Sometimes these feet are called ‘Supinators’ or ‘Under-Pronation’, the foot tends to rotate inwards and down.Supination is a normal part of gait (the way we walk) and helps in the ‘push-off’. Many people who supinate tend to have more ankle sprains due to the outward rolling of their foot. Estimates put true Supinators at under 10% of the population.

Pes Planus

Often associated with ‘fallen arches’ or ‘flat feet’, the foot appears rotated inwards, flattened towards the ground. Like Supination, Pronation is a normal part of a person’s gait. It helps the foot to shock absorb while in motion, however, when the subtalar joint rolls inwards and foot angles out too much, it’s called Over-Pronation. Some estimates suggest that over half of North Americans experience some version of ‘flat feet’, although, not all ‘flat feet’ are problem feet.

Plantar Fasciitis

One of the most common foot conditions in North America, this can lead to a Heel Spur. Often, people complain of pain in the bottom of the heel or along the arch, the pain is typically worst in the morning, or after a period of rest. By the end of the day the pain may be replaced by a dull aching that improves with rest. Stretching, appropriate footwear, orthotics, anti-inflammatories are all treatment options. Should all of these fail, surgery may be required.